Do You Have What It Takes To Race Across Scotland?

A collaboration between Ali Hall and Alan Hewitt

“The further I run, the less goes through my mind. It is like meditation. I am content, and my worries are elsewhere. My body is controlled by my mind, and I feel like I am one when everything is going well. It is only when there are challenges that I have to work to get them working together.”

It’s hard to fathom the sheer grit and determination required to endure the Race Across Scotland. The magnitude of this race is mindblowing. Pyllon athlete, Alan Hewitt, shares the highs and lows of his journey along with his unlikely love affair with his Leki running poles.

Who or what inspires you?

Ayrshire lad Alan was born, raised, educated, and now works within the same 3-mile radius; maybe that’s why he felt compelled to wander an advertised 215 miles (and added 21 miles on for fun).

Alan counts himself lucky to have the support of his wife, Kirsty, their two sons, Ethan and Roddy, and the star of the family unit, little Rocky, the border terrier. In fact, it sounds like Alan’s running is a blessing for his family as he’s often kicked out the door to run off his grumps.

When it comes to inspiration sources, Alan doesn’t need to look further afield than his immediate circle.

“My Mum and Dad are my biggest inspirations. 

My Mum was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer when I was in my mid-twenties. She had lived a healthy lifestyle but unfortunately was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer, which she fought tooth and nail for a year to beat but unfortunately lost the battle. Not only did she put her body through hell to fight the disease, but she never complained, and I often think about that in training and races. Nothing I go through in races is ever as hard as my Mum experienced, and I use that as fuel.

My Dad has also had difficult health issues but has tackled them head-on, and he continues to inspire me daily with his determination and strength to make change.

I want to show my kids that anything is possible, and the example my parents set for me, I want to pass to them. I see Ultra’s as a perfect way to show the kids that hard work, focus, and the human spirit can overcome anything. They also see the work and sacrifice it takes to achieve personal goals, and I hope they take that into their own lives.”

Describe your perfect adventure

“With my brother Ed, in Assynt in the North of Scotland running in the hills and mountains chatting and laughing. The weather will be uncommonly dry, with very few midges and no-one around for miles. Summer solstice time so we can run through the night without head torches. That would be perfect!”

Ha ha ha, dream on Alan! Uncommonly dry and very few midges? Alan’s perfect adventure is the polar opposite of what he signed up for with RAS.

Where do you draw your courage from?

It takes enormous fortitude not just to consider standing at the start of a race of this scale but to commit to the training. They say almost anyone can fluke a marathon. You can’t fluke 215 miles! Alan was certainly going to need more than luck on his side. But true to form, he committed to training once his mind was made up.

“I draw courage from my experiences in previous races. I had a lot of time to think during the RAS, and I realised that every challenge I faced in RAS I had faced before in another race. What I had learned from those experiences helped me navigate the current challenge. Injury, hallucinations, getting lost, torrential rain, feeling sick, confusion, headtorch giving out, not enough calories, and running out of water had all featured in other events or training.

I knew that I had previously pushed through or problem-solved those issues, which gave me the confidence to keep going. The more I can experience, good and bad in a race, will make me a better runner, and that was never more apparent than in the RAS.

There is the well-known saying, “It doesn’t always get worse.” but I was finding sometimes it does! I think if I hadn’t had a mixed bag of races, results, and experiences, I would not have been able to finish the race.”

What attracted you to the Race across Scotland?

The Race Across Scotland traverses Scotland along the Southern Upland Way, starting in the Western village of Portpatrick and finishing in the Eastern town of Cockburnspath. Any race with a 100-hour cut-off time is sure to demand deep reverence.

We all have our own personal why when it comes to our running. But very few people are drawn to this sort of distance. For Alan, once he started thinking about the possibility of this adventure, he couldn’t get it out of his mind. And so his love affair began.

“RAS is easily the hardest race I have done. Physically and mentally, it was a test beyond anything I had attempted before.”

After completing the WHW Triple Crown, RAS caught Alan’s attention and consumed his thoughts. He couldn’t shake the idea of it. Turning to his coach, Grant McDonald, for his thoughts, all Alan needed to hear was, “F*ck yeah - go for it!” and that was it, deposit paid.

The difference between a standard human being and a hardened ultra runner is that a hardened ultra runner seeks out failure.

“I wanted to do it because I thought the chances of failure were high (60% DNF rate) and therefore knew it would test me in every way. It gave me the fear, and that meant I focused 100% on training and did everything I could to be ready.”

The only thing certain about ultra races is uncertainty. And the longer they are, the more unknowns are thrown into the mix.

Getting to the start line prepared and in one piece was the first highlight for Alan, and quite right. Very often, the accomplishment is in the training itself. Finishing a race is the icing on the cake.

Understandably, there were a few low points, the stand-out low was IT band issues causing overcompensation in his other leg, resulting in tendonitis and swelling in his ankle, increasing it to double the size at just 128 miles in. Despite this restricting his movement for the second 100 miles, he pressed on.

A real mind and body war ensued, with his brain willing him forward at a quicker pace than his body could tolerate.

What did you learn about yourself?

“I learned that I can cope with prolonged periods of pain and discomfort, I can function with very little sleep and that I won’t give up no matter the odds. The latter might not always be in my best interest but seems to be the way I am wired.

I’ve not found my limit yet. There is definitely more levels to explore.”

Alan tells us that the further he runs, the less goes through his mind. He compares this to being in a meditative state. With his daily meditation practice and the mind-boggling length of RAS, it sounds like Alan’s superpower was the ability to control his mind and embrace a place of inner calm.

Any advice for others looking to do the RAS?

First up, find yourself a dream team crew! As many of us understand, we couldn’t do the epic races we do without those who willingly give us their time and sacrifice their sleep to crew for us. Alan will be forever indebted to his brother Ed, best friend Alan, and wife Kirsty.

“Standout Kit was my Leki poles. They helped me manage some very steep ascents and descents with my injury, and without them, I would have struggled. I kissed them at one point when I was sleep-deprived and emotional, having made it down a very steep hill!”

Without dwelling on negatives, Alan regrets not having a drop bag at two checkpoints where his crew wasn’t available. This error prolonged his misery in wet and cold clothing.

We all know the importance of fuelling and resting in and around our training. However, incorporating this into an actual race can be tricky.

“Sleep and calories are superpowers and it’s amazing the difference both make physically and mentally.”

Ultimately, for anyone looking to do the RAS, expect the unexpected. Alan’s game plan was to run a bit slower than he would for a 100-mile race and then hang on for dear life until the end. This strategy worked for him; will it work for you? One checkpoint at a time, focusing on a positive mindset, and keep on keeping on, are factors that helped drag Alan to the finish line.

What tips and tricks keep you moving and healthy?

The holistic nature of the ultra-running lifestyle is what keeps Alan healthy. He recognises the importance of supporting his body through all means possible to help sustain his running. Yes, this means mobility, yoga, and strength for the body and also daily meditation for the mind.

“I eat a fairly balanced diet. Multivitamin and turmeric daily. Beetroot concentrate each day 10 days out from a race which makes the toilet trips a bit scary when you forget you are taking it! Walking the dog I also use for active recovery.”

What would life look like for Alan if he didn’t run? More work and less play. He envisions a cyclical life of work-filled weeks with alcohol-fueled weekends. Running really does help save us from ourselves at times!

“Running is my freedom and feels like an essential part of my daily routine. It still clears my head, allows me to push myself physically and mentally and above all makes me happy. I’m not always happy when I’m running but I’ve never regretted a run and no matter how the run has gone I feel better than I did when I started.”

A huge well done to Alan for a spectacular, brave, and inspiring accomplishment. Thank you also for sharing your insights with us.

You can find Alan on Instagram at @chewsieruns

Pulling Back the Curtain on the Enigma That Is Paul Giblin

A collaboration between Ali Hall and Paul Giblin

Paul Giblin is the brains and inspiration behind Pyllon. As someone who shies away from the limelight, he can be a bit of an enigma. Much like the native Scottish red squirrel, he is happiest in nature, avoiding the masses and without drawing attention to himself.

I’m hoping this short Q&A session will highlight the fun, sensitive, goofy and human side of our friend and community founder.

Are you ready?

If you didn’t run what would you do instead?

So many things I’d do if I didn’t run! Where do I start?

1. I’d do more with music. I got into music from a very young age. Started collecting vinyl when I was still in school and DJ’d all through my 20’s. I still do quite a bit now, but I just don’t have the time to be focused enough. There’s still a Mercury Music Prize in me yet - might just have to wait a few more years 😀

2. I’d likely bag a few more big mountain peaks. Again - ultra running takes over and hasn’t left me enough time to do more. I had intentions of doing more paragliding when I lived in Chamonix but I was either running or recovering.

3. I have really enjoyed training Mya (my dog), and we hope to do some IGP trials with her. But much like running it requires a lot of time, so I’m not pushing it too much and I am making plenty of mistakes along the way. Learning a lot, but realising I don’t even know the full scale of what I don’t know! :D There are lots of parallels to coaching runners, to be honest - if there is enough drive, then it's a guidance, teaching, and confidence-building role.

4. I’d shoot more photos and videos. I’d draw and paint more. The creative stuff I really love and miss when life takes over.

5. There’s maybe 10 other things I’d love to do more of, but I’d never sleep or do anything well if I took those on too.

Have you any running habits that are slightly quirky?

Quirky? I’m not sure. I don’t like to change things much when I’m out running. I’ll rarely stop to take a top off if it’s too hot or change my shoes unless they are causing me serious pain. So, I might be in some discomfort overall, but I accept it and forget that I maybe can reduce the discomfort with a change. Is that quirky?

I also like to run barefoot the day before a race on the dirt I’ll be running. I’ve done it for years. I know there’s no benefit, but I guess it’s a ritual, and rituals have the capacity to calm nerves.

What’s a standout running moment for you?

I’ve had lots of great moments. It would be easy to list a bunch of race wins and solid performances. And they’ve been awesome. But actually, it’s been about running with people. Sharing some trails or doing a race with a great crew and feeling part of a team - on a mission together. You’ve worked super hard to achieve something, and there are people around you who know and care as much as you do.

When I think back to the End2End trail, for example - whilst it was obviously a real slog at over 2,000KM, there were so many small, wonderful moments across the four weeks. Conversations and laughs, meeting strangers in a field who had come out to run with me for an hour, friends turning up, kind words, smiles, and shared meals. That’s the stuff that really matters. 

There is a lot of heartache, too, but I guess those become standout moments too. That’s where you are presented with choices. How will you deal with a setback, and what trail will it lead you down in life?

How long have you been running for?

I’m not sure to be honest. For about 14 - 15 years now. I think I always under-estimate, so this could be way off!

How did you start running?

Same as lots of people really - in the gym! I became very conscious of my health and general lack of fitness. I started warming up on a treadmill and it grew from there. Very quickly!

What is your greatest non-race running achievement?

I guess running across the UK was an achievement. I loved running the Outer Hebrides years ago. My Dad came out to rescue me in the second half; it was just him and me at the finish. Those times I’ll never feel again. I actually did a few YouTube videos of it before vlogging was big. I’m sure they’re awful compared to today’s standards. I can’t bring myself to watch them as I miss my Dad so much, and it’s easier not to think about it. I’m glad I did that. And I’m really glad and grateful for the Pyllon Endeavour and XP events that we have done. I’ve met so many cool people and made a few friends that I’m lucky to still have.

What animal are you?

They say dogs reflect their owners, right? So, I’m a little Belgian Malinois. Pretty determined, keen to be outside, can get super-focused on stuff, and be quite wary of new things and new people.

I take a long time to get to know other people and to trust their intentions I guess - but when I do, I just want to help and be there for them. I can’t run as fast or bite as hard, but I’m fairly nimble on any terrain!

In all honesty, I’m not half the athlete of a Malinois. But it’s okay to have role models, right?

What is your ultimate running song?

Ooof. I really struggle with giving a single favourite anything! It has to be something that swells some emotion in me if I’m looking to push hard. I'm a huge fan of electronic music, so I’d normally go there. But it depends on where I’m running and the mood of the place.

Running in a forest has a very different feel to a tempo session on a cycle path. Something with a minimal syncopated beat for hard sessions and something organic that takes you on a journey over a beautiful trail through a forest. Techno to jazz and everything in between kinda covers the spectrum of the music I like.

A massive thanks to Paul for being a good sport and humouring my silly questions. If you are interested in working with Paul and allowing him to help you achieve your dreams, contact us here.

Navigating Emotional Turmoil as an Injured Runner

by John Connolly

Hey there!

I'm thrilled to share my personal journey with running ultras while overcoming setbacks. For the past 8 years, I've been immersed in the exhilarating world of ultra running, experiencing both triumphs and challenges along the way. From incredible courses around the globe, such as Western State, to conquering my first marathon at Loch Ness last year, it's been an adventure filled with unforgettable moments.

However, what makes this journey even more remarkable is the fact that I've been managing significant injuries throughout, one that required surgery 2 years ago but had to be delayed due to getting into Western States.

Just for some context, I've now had 3 meniscus procedures, 2 on my right knee and 1 on my left. I also have an issue with my lower back, which when not managed, leads to a couple of days in bed. So, join me as I delve into the ups and downs of my running and how I've tackled setbacks head-on with determination and perseverance. 

7 considerations for coping with an injury

Being a runner means embracing challenges, pushing boundaries, and constantly striving for improvement. However, when faced with an injury, the emotional toll can be just as debilitating as the physical pain.

As we navigate the frustration of not being as competitive as we desire, it's crucial to acknowledge and address the emotional turmoil that accompanies the journey to recovery. 

In this blog, we delve into the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by injured runners and explore ways to find solace and acceptance during this challenging time. 

1. Denial and Frustration

The initial response to an injury often involves denial and frustration. It's natural to feel a sense of disbelief, wondering why this setback has occurred. The frustration stems from the realisation that we won't be able to compete or perform at our desired level. Acknowledging these emotions is vital to move forward. 

 2. Grief and Loss

Injury not only affects us physically but also triggers a sense of grief and loss. We mourn the loss of our running routine, the camaraderie of races, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving personal goals. It's essential to give ourselves permission to grieve and recognize that these emotions are a natural part of the healing process. 

 3. Comparison and Identity Crisis

As injured runners, we often find ourselves comparing our current situation to the achievements of others. It's easy to succumb to feelings of envy and self-doubt, questioning our worth as runners. Remember that your worth is not solely determined by your performance; embrace the opportunity to redefine your identity beyond running. 

 4. Patience and Acceptance

Healing takes time, and learning to be patient with the recovery process is crucial. Rather than focusing on what we cannot do, we should redirect our energy towards what we can do to aid our recovery. Embracing acceptance allows us to appreciate the small victories and find joy in the progress, no matter how incremental it may seem. 

 5. Building a Support System

Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is vital during this emotionally challenging time. Seek out fellow runners who may have experienced similar setbacks, join online forums, or consider seeking professional guidance. Sharing your frustrations, fears, and triumphs with others who understand can alleviate the emotional burden. 

 6. Exploring Alternate Avenues

While sidelined, explore activities that can complement your recovery and maintain your physical and mental well-being. Engage in cross-training, such as swimming or cycling, to stay active. Discover new hobbies, volunteer, or participate in non-competitive events to stay connected to the running community while giving yourself a break from the pressure to perform. 

 7. Celebrating Small Victories

Throughout your recovery journey, celebrate the small victories. Whether it's reaching a certain distance, improving flexibility, or running pain-free for a short period, each achievement is a step towards becoming a stronger runner. By acknowledging and celebrating these milestones, you'll maintain a positive mindset and fuel your motivation to keep going. 

Conclusion

While the emotional turmoil of being an injured runner can be overwhelming, remember that it's a temporary setback in your running journey.

By acknowledging and addressing the emotional challenges, building a strong support system, and embracing alternate avenues, you can find solace, acceptance, and ultimately come back stronger than ever.

Use this time to reflect, learn, and grow, and remember that your worth as a runner extends far beyond the competitive arena.

Currently, I find myself in the midst of another comeback from another injury.

Day by day, I am diligently working on rebuilding the strength in my less dominant leg while gradually increasing my running volume, beasting myself on the bike, and adding intensity to my workouts.

The progress I have made so far has been encouraging, filling me with a renewed sense of hope and determination. As plans for 2024 start to take shape, I can feel my desire to excel in my running endeavors rekindling.

With each step forward, I am filled with a growing sense of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead on this incredible journey.

For me, it's a process; sometimes, the path to take is clear, and other times, I can get a wee bit lost, but I've still not given up. 

Thank you to Pyllon coach, John Connolly, for the generosity of his wisdom in this piece full of golden nuggets.

How to Conquer the Devil of the Highlands

by Ali Hall

Rachel storming in to take first place

Usually, what happens in a portaloo stays in a portaloo. But not today, because Grant Macdonald shares all with us. Aren’t we lucky! 

Stretching over the second half of the West Highland Way, the Devil of the Highlands is one of Scotland’s most popular ultra races. At 42 miles and 6500 feet of elevation, the route winds from Tyndrum to Fort William through some of Scotland’s most picturesque scenery. 

Known for his community-focused, charitable, fun, friendly, and inclusive races, John Duncan heads up the team behind the Devil of the Highlands and its better-known sister race, the Highland Fling. 

With promises of an epic finish line of multi-coloured banners, carnival-style flags, cheering crowds, and beer, what other enticement do athletes need to sign up to dance with the devil? 

Pyllon had six athletes start the DOTH race, and five athletes finish; we’ll come onto Grant’s mishaps shortly. 

I invite you to read along and follow the journey of four of our athletes, including Rachel Normand, the gold medalist. 

Llinos all smiles and high spirits

An insight into our athletes

Iain Quimby

With a history in Muay Thai, Glasgow lad Iain is made of tough stuff. When COVID-19 struck and closed his beloved local gym, Iain had to adapt. Running became the new passion. He hadn’t run further than 5 miles before, and suddenly, he found himself running further and faster and merging himself into the trail and ultra community. 

Seeing him in action, It’s hard to believe that Iain was once a 19-stone, bass-playing party animal, out of puff just from tying his shoelaces!

When his children came along Iain realised something had to change. Becoming a father encouraged Iain to think about his health and do something about his diet and overall well-being. He is now the bar manager of a vegan pub in the West End of Glasgow, so some of you may be his clients without even realising it. 

“Running has changed my life, it's a regular part of my routine structuring my week and life now. When I run I feel relaxed, sometimes I run and work out all the thoughts in my head and other times my mind is almost completely thoughtless, almost meditative when running, each day is purposeful.” - Iain Quimby

The weather conditions didn’t deter Iain’s focus

Grant Macdonald 

Meet Grant from the Pyllon coaching team. Did you happen to catch his amazing downhill tips on Instagram? If so, you may recall the golden advice of aeroplane arms for downhill running. Grant always brings a smile to everyone’s face. It's hard to believe that he only started running later in life, as a means of improving his health. But don’t let his later start fool you, especially since he's already donned a GB vest in 24-hour racing! He's faced some challenges in recent years and he still manages to find humor in tough situations. That's just the kind of guy he is.

"Two significant life changes have meant racing has taken a bit of a back seat for me in the last couple of years. Joining the Pyllon coaching team, and becoming a dad have meant racing has just felt less of a priority. Life has become 50% dealing with tears, tantrums and toilet issues. Being a dad has had its challenges as well.” - Grant Macdonald

Grant attributes his poor race outcome to his new hair cut - what do you think?

Rachel Normand

La Sportiva athlete, Rachel Normand, is lucky enough to live spitting distance from the Pentland Hills in Edinburgh. Both Rachel and her husband are keen runners and mountain lovers. I’m not sure if it’s common to be jealous of a baby, but for all those who follow Rachel’s Instagram account, you may turn green at the incredible adventures their one-year-old daughter, Jane, has already experienced with her outdoor-loving parents. 

Rachel discovered running while living in London, but it wasn’t until she moved to Scotland in 2017 that she found her home in the hills. 

“I love the sense of freedom you get from running on trails, and that during a run I forget to worry about all the things that usually occupy my mind.” - Rachel Normand

Rachel engaging a positive mindset

Llinos Proctor

Living on the doorstep of Bridge of Orchy, Llinos is in the enviable position of having the WHW as her local trail. With a conservation background, she now manages woodland and combines her love of nature, wildlife, and mountains with her creative side as a printmaker; she has some wonderful pieces of Scottish wildlife and landscapes. 

It’s not everyone who can claim to have four peacocks! But yep, you guessed it, Llinos can. 

Llinos describes herself as a talkative, scaredy cat. But for someone who has run the full WHWR and now the DOTH, I’d suggest she doesn’t let her fears hold her back. 

Postnatal depression led Llinos to running, and the therapeutic benefits have kept her returning to the trails regularly to ensure she is a more patient person with her family. 

“I feel calm when I run, it quiets my mind, helps me put things in perspective and connects me to my landscape.” - Llinos Proctor

When the going gets tough, Llinos keeps going

Why did you want to dance with the Devil and how did it go?

According to Iain, the route of the DOTH is one of the most scenic in the world, and who are we to disagree with him? With hopes for a top 20 finish but recognising that just finishing is an achievement, he was understandably blown away with a top 5 finish and 1st in his category. 

His stand-out moment is his final push from Lundavra to the finish line. He used the downhill to keep pressing to the end and went as fast as his legs would carry him, and as spectators will testify, he came into the finish as if he was in a 400-meter race, not a 42-miler!

“I loved this race, it was well organized, great atmosphere, organisers, marshalls and competitors were 10/10 all round.” - Iain

Massive good luck to Iain for the 2024 WHWR ballot.

Despite having not raced the DOTH before, Rachel is familiar with the route and recce’d several sections in the lead-up. In Rachel’s mind, the DOTH was to be a marker of her fitness post-pregnancy. 

“Winning the race was a dream come true. I ran easy for the first half and didn't get too carried away with racing. I ran up the Devil's Staircase which I'd done in training but didn't know I'd be able to do after twenty miles of racing!” - Rachel

Feeling strong running through Kinlochleven gave Rachel a confidence surge and encouraged her to keep her place all the way to the finish, where the pride of having her husband and daughter cheering her on as she crossed the finish line, beamed from her face. 

Even winners recognise areas of improvement. A few learning points for Rachel include moving through aid stations quicker and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in tough times. 

Llinos went beyond her potential

Well, it would be rude not to dance with the devil, given the route passes her house, and with the offer of a babysitter for the day, Llinos was buoyed to be racing her first DOTH. Not only did she show up and run hard, but she finished an hour under the time she was aiming for. 

This race lived up to her enormous expectations, with the high point being the downhill into Fort William and the inclusive, friendly atmosphere from the race organisers and marshals. Although, she’s seen enough midges for one lifetime.

“I managed to follow my race plan from Debbie (easy to BOO, steady to Glencoe, get

uncomfortable after that)” - Llinos

Great advice, ultra runners need to be comfortable with feeling uncomfortable.

Grant’s race came to an end almost as soon as it started … 

Grant was super excited to be pinning on a number after a fairly decent training block. Talking himself up to Paul on Training Peaks, he was taking the DOTH so seriously he even had a pre race haircut. He says the haircut didn't go well, perhaps an omen of things to come. I’d say he looks pretty dapper though, you can judge for yourself from the pic.

“It was a real highlight to see the joy Pyllon coach, John Connolly, took in Rachel's win.” - Grant

A proud moment for Iain

What worked well for you and what maybe didn’t work so well?

Coming in off the back of racing Cateran Trail 55, Iain focused on high mileage and practicing descending and tempo runs out on the trails. Maybe Iain’s secret weapon to his success is his dress rehearsal of the full route in abysmal conditions. 

Iain speaks of a standout training session that incorporated terrain and elevation specificity of the DOTH. Learning to press hard with fatigued legs takes practice, and practice is what Iain did. 

Speaking of specificity, Rachel recognises that the longer hill reps she churned out in training likely contributed to her ability to skip up the Devil’s Staircase during the race. Rachel’s ability to find additional gears mid-race to open up the gap between herself and Meryl and Morgan, who placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively, was fine-tuned in training by executing tempo sections during a long run. 

Llinos attributes her successful race to getting out for long, slow runs and building strength and speed through intervals and hill reps. 

Are you ready to hear about Grant yet?

What can we say about his race? I think It’s best I hand the mic to Grant himself and don’t change any of his words. I mean, who am I to edit the humour master? 

“What with my lack of recent racing I had decided to throw caution to the wind, ditch my usual conservative approach and go out with the lead group to see where it took me. This new confident approach lasted about 30 seconds up the first climb out of Tyndrum. A rush of cold sweats and a rapidly cramping stomach and I was immediately rejigging my plan to ‘where can I evacuate my bowels without 400 unfortunate people witnessing it?’.  

No obvious places revealed themselves so I adjusted my pace downwards and planned to hang on to Bridge of Orchy. I acknowledged the sympathetic smiles from the marshals at the road crossing as I waddled uncomfortably down the hill to the portaloos. My relief was matched by the disappointment of hearing almost the entire race field go past me as I sat on the portaloo regretting the previous night's meal choice.

I know this is a safe space to share this level of detail. Runners have all been there. I exited the portaloos and immediately returned realising this incident wasn't quite over. But clearly my race was - certainly in terms of a competitive run. I could shuffle my way uncomfortably to Fort William if I had to. But truth be told I was happy to hand in my dibber and keep my shorts clean for another day. 

Thanks to two members of the Pyllon family for saving my day. John Connolly scooped me up and graciously chauffeured me to Fort William, stopping off along the way to support the other Pyllon runners.”

Iain embraces the quad busting descent into Kinlochleven

How were you kitted out?

There was a mixed bag of kit on the course, which is exactly what we would expect, given how individual we all are. 

Our athlete’s feet were decked out in Hoka Tecton X, La Sportiva Jackal II Boa, and Inov8 Trailfly G280.

Some top advice from our athletes is to eat every half hour or 45 minutes. If you are worried you may forget, set an alarm reminder to remind you. Nutrition can really make or break your race. 

We don’t know what Grant was wearing for his 11k, but thanks to the generosity of Kenny Mcmanus, he had a stash of dry clothes to keep him warm in the aftermath of his, erm, incident. 

The moral of the story - don’t forget a warm clothes contingency plan, boys and girls! 

What advice do you have for others looking to do the Devil of the Highlands Race? 

First things first, don’t be like Grant. Make sure you plan your pre-race meals carefully! 

After that, the advice is fairly unanimous: get out on the trails for training and recce the route if possible so your body is familiar with the ascent and descent profile.

Rachel tells us there is a bus from Fort William to Glencoe, which you must book in advance. There’s also a train from Rannoch Station to Bridge of Orchy if you fancy adding some bog sections that aren’t in the race route. I mean, who would ever turn down bog?

These public transport options should help you figure out logistics for a recce. 

Both Rannoch Moor and Lairigmor are long, tough sections. If you like listening to music or podcasts during a run, this is where your headphones may come in handy. 

Find your inspiration and harness it

We are each unique beings, so it stands to reason that our sources of inspiration vary. 

Often, we seek inspiration in places of resonance and relatability. At the moment, new mum Rachel is inspired by other women who have recently had babies. Watching their return to running long distances gives Rachel the confidence that she will also return to full fitness. Hopefully, her confidence will have soared with this stunning performance at DOTH in the bank. 

Llinos wants to be a shining example to her kids as she sets herself up as a muse for them and showcases the importance of leading a healthy, active, and adventurous lifestyle. 

As for Iain, the support from his family helps get him out the door in the first place, and watching everyone within the Scottish ultra scene doing epic things and smashing their own goals keeps him out there striving to be better himself.

Rachel’s look of disbelief for a race well won

Thanks to Rachel, Llinos, Grant, and Iain for sharing their experiences with us. A special mention to Grant for using his misfortune as a giggle opportunity, let’s hope you don’t need to befriend the portaloos at the Ochils 50 miler. 

Another thanks goes to Graham Milne and Alan Brown for some of the images included. 

You can see the results of the 2023 Devil of the Highlands here. Entry is not yet open for 2024; keep an eye on the website for more details. 

Thank you for reading. We have a team of experienced and enthusiastic coaches waiting to help you on your ultra journey. Contact us to find out more.